Industry Standard Sizes
When it comes to printing, choosing the right paper size is crucial for a professional and polished result. Whether you’re printing books, catalogs, magazines, notebooks, calendars, playing cards, or posters, understanding the standard and popular sizes for each region can help you make informed decisions about your printing projects. Here is our guide to help you choose the best sizes for your printing prouducts.
What’s Paper Size for Printing
Paper size for printing refers to the dimensions of the paper(from A1 size to A7 size) used for various printing projects. The most common paper sizes are based on international standards, such as the ISO 216 standard, which is widely used in Europe and other parts of the world. These standards ensure consistency and compatibility across different printing processes and equipment. Understanding paper sizes will not only help you select the right dimensions for your printing project but also enable you to communicate effectively with your printing service provider.
| Paper size | W x H – Inches | W x H – Millimetres |
| A1 | 33.1 x 23.4 inches | 841 x 594 mm |
| A2 | 23.4 x 16.5 inches | 594 x 420 mm |
| A3 | 16.5 x 11.7 inches | 420 x 297 mm |
| A4 | 11.7 x 8.3 inches | 297 x 210 mm |
| A5 | 8.3 x 5.8 inches | 210 x 148 mm |
| A6 | 5.8 x 4.1 inches | 148 x 105 mm |
| A7 | 4.1 x. 2.9 inches | 105 x 74 m m |
1 inches=2.54 mm
USA and Canada Standard Sizes
Books |
Pocket book: 4.25″ x 6.87″ US trade: 6″ x 9″ Digest: 5.5″ x 8.5″ Square: 8.5″ x 8.5″ Letter: 8.5″ x 11″ Portrait: 8″ x 10″ |
Catalogs, booklets, and magazines |
5.5″ x 8.5″, 8.5″ x 11″ |
Notebooks |
8.5″ x 11″, A4, A5 |
Calendars |
12″ x 12″, 8.5″ x 11″ |
Playing cards |
2.5″ x 3.5″ |
Tarot cards |
2.75″ x 4.75″ |
Posters |
8.5″ x 11″, 11″ x 17″, 18″ x 24″, 24″ x 36″ |
European and Australian Standard Sizes
Books |
A4 (210 x 297mm), A5 (148 x 210mm), 152 x 230mm, 210 x 210mm |
Catalogs, and magazines |
A4 (210 x 297mm), A5 (148 x 210mm) |
Notebooks |
A5 (148 x 210 mm) , A6 (105 x148mm), A4 (210 x 297mm) |
Calendars |
A3 (297 x 420 mm), A4 (210 x 297mm), A6 (105 x 148 mm) |
Playing cards |
59 x 92mm, 63 x 89 mm |
Posters |
Europe: 11″ x 17″ equals the European DIN A3 size; 18″ x 24″ is the European B2 size; 24″ x 36″ equals the European B1 size Australia: A3 (297mm x 420mm/11.7″ x 16.5″) ; A2 (420mm x 594mm/16.5″ x 23.4″) ; A1 (594mm x 841mm/23.4″ x 33.1″; A0 (841mm x 1189mm/33.1″ x 46.8″) |
Chinese Standard Sizes
Books |
A3 (297 x 420mm), A4(210 x 297mm), A5(148 x 210mm) |
Catalogs, and magazines |
210 mm x 285 mm, 142mm x 210mm, B5 (176 x 250 mm) |
Notebooks |
A5 (148 x 210 mm), A4(210 x297mm) or B5 (176 x 250 mm) |
Calendars |
340 x 480 mm, A3 (297 x 420mm), A4 (210 x 297mm) |
Playing cards |
57 x 87 mm |
Posters |
Posters in China come in various sizes, ranging from B2 (500 x 707 mm) to B0 (1000 x 1414 mm) |
More about the popular and standard size for different type of books, please refer “standard size” blog post.
Custom Sizes
While standard sizes provide a convenient and cost-effective option for printing, sometimes you may require a custom size to meet specific requirements. Custom sizes give you the freedom to create unique and personalized printing projects. Whether you need a small booklet or a large wall poster, BookPrintingChina can help you determine the best custom size for your project. Keep in mind that custom sizes may require additional time and cost. So it’s essential to plan ahead and discuss your needs with us.
Tips to Choose the Right Size for Your Printing Project
Choosing the right size for your printing project can significantly impact its overall effectiveness and appeal. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision:
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Consider the content: Think about the type of content you will be printing. For example, if you have a lot of text or images, you may need a larger size to ensure readability and visual impact.
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Think about the purpose: Consider the purpose of your printing project. Will it be used for marketing, informational, or decorative purposes? Different sizes can convey different messages and suit different environments.
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Consider the audience: Who will be the primary audience for your printing project? If it’s a book or magazine, think about the target readers and their preferences. If it’s a poster or calendar, consider where it will be displayed and who will be viewing it.
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Consult with professionals: If you’re unsure about the right size for your project, don’t hesitate to seek advice from us. We have the expertise and experience to guide you in making the best decision.
Consult with our printing experts today to choose the perfect size for your next printing project. Contact us for a free consultation and quote.